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Geno 2.0, WTY, mtDNA Full Sequence Participants, and More

As we know, some of the WTY (Walk the Y) discoveries were used in the creation of the Geno 2.0 chip. The entire point, of course, for the WTY test is to sequence the Y chromosome to search for new mutations. As we can see by the plethora of new L SNPs on the SNP Tree at ISOGG, this has been quite successful.

What you may not know is that the WTY product has two prices. A price, subsidized by Family Tree DNA for the test if you agree to allow the use of the data for scientific research, and the private price. The application for the WTY at Family Tree DNA clarifies the expectations and the pricing.

Therefore, anyone who did not pay the higher, private price of $1500, has agreed for their results to be used for research. In essence, those who did agree to participate in research received a significant discount, 38%, amounting to 950.

Thank you Bennett and Max for underwriting this important scientific effort!

Speaking with Bennett about the process of vetting the new Geno 2.0 chip, he indicated that many of the WTY samples used were internal, meaning not customers. Only 23 public WTY samples were used.

Spencer Wells, today, clarified the situation for those few whose results were used:

“The WTY and whole-mtDNA genome customers used in the chip validation process will receive their results when the results section of the website goes live for all Geno 2.0 participants this fall. Your data belongs to you. There will be no charge to them for this, and we hope that they enjoy the new Geno 2.0 experience and will become cheerleaders for the project.”

I notice, in addition to the WTY samples used, this also extends to any mtDNA full sequence results used as well. Thank you Spencer!

Now, of course the next question will be what happens for those who have already placed orders. Spencer says, “They will be able to cancel their orders, or give the kit to a friend or family member (which of course we would prefer…;-). I really want to encourage them to help us expand our database. It will benefit everyone, themselves included, and will allow us to make the 2.0 experience richer for everyone – especially the community features. They will receive the whole Geno 2.0 experience, just like people who purchase kits. We’ll provide them with GPIDs to use for logging in via email.”

In addition, an article appeared in BioArray News today by Justin Petrone that provides some additional information on the Illumina BeadChips used. It’s free, but you do have to register to read it. I’m providing the highlights below that add to the information we’re already received.

Justin interviewed Spencer, who provides background information on the Genographic project. He mentions that about 520,000 people have participated to date.

In addition to discussing the SNPs on chips information that Spencer has previously provided to our community, he also says that ‘National Geographic and its partners are preparing two publications that discuss the new chip and have submitted an abstract for the American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting, which will be held in San Francisco in November.”

Spencer also spoke a little about the new National Geographic online community capability. This will be in addition to the option for participants to transfer their results to Family Tree DNA, for free. He says that “participants will have the opportunity to choose to register for the Genographic online community to connect with other participants and find shared ancestry, helping to fill in the gaps between what they know about their recent genealogy and their genetic results.”

I think so , but I think it depends on what you are looking for. I’m specifically interested in minority admixture of Native American and African, so for me, absolutely. I can hardly wait. If you’re not as interested in the autosomal/ethnicity aspect, then maybe not for you.

Roberta,
Did Spencer say how we will be able to know that our full mtDNA has been used? As you know, I was one of those at the webinar. I have done my full mtDNA. I ordered a Geno 2.0 test for my husband already who has also done the full mtDNA. SO…I need to know if our full mtDNAs were used and when his kit comes, how will I be able to transfer it as it could be tied somehow to the FTDNA testing?

Hi Emily. You’ll be able to transfer results from Nat Geo to FTDNA via a FTDNA kit number that you want the Geno 2.0 kit associated with. Regarding the mtdna, you’ll be notified and if you are one of them, you’ll be given the option of a refund to give the kit to someone else to use.